RHCE is vendor specific while LPIC is vendor neutral. Both have then own value depending on what linux system you are supporting now. RHCE is more advanced/tough compare to LPIC. LPIC currently have Level 1 and Level 2.

The best path to go if you are new to linux is to go with LPIC L1 first then L2. Once you gain the experience and want to proceed further, then go to RHCE. Bear in mind that RHCE is a LAB base exam, meaning you have to perform live setup and troubleshooting in order to pass the exam.

Linux is always a good addition knowledge to go hand in hand with Windows cause in the real world, most company have boths to do different job.

Whatever you learn from LPI will be similar in all linux distribution. The only up to date book that focus on LPI L1 is Que - Exam Cram2 LPI. This is not only an exam focus book but it also teach you real life environment sys admin as well.

For a more general getting started linux book, try O'reilly - Running Linux 5th Edition. If you want an almost complete command reference book, try O'reilly - Linux in a Nutshell 5th Edition.

Let me know if you want a second hand Que - Exam Cram2 LPI book as well as the CEH Official Student Kit from EC-Council. On this, please PM me.

Oh, my official job title is Security Analyst and unofficial title is "Ethical Hacker" !!